Application of photoreactive, photoemissive material in riflescopes

ABSTRACT

A riflescope that comprises a body defining an optical path with a reticle connected to the body and intervening in the optical path. The reticle includes an image formed by photoreactive material that is responsive to invisible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to emit visible light. The photoreactive material includes two different materials, each emitting visible light in a different wavelength.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/968,451, filed on Jan. 31, 2020, entitled “Application of photoreactive, photoemissive material in riflescopes . . . ”, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all that is taught and disclosed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a riflescope or other aiming or viewing device that relies on an illuminator or other powered function.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

Traditional riflescopes often have limited visibility or display information, primarily reticles and adjustment dials.

A display in a riflescope can show alternate patterns. Some have changing aiming point pattern sizes. These are limited to elevation aiming points. Some display wind solutions as well. These are expensive solutions that are not bright and limited by display technology constraints.

The above disadvantage is addressed by a riflescope that comprises a body defining an optical path with a reticle connected to the body and intervening in the optical path. The reticle includes an image formed by photoreactive material that is responsive to invisible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to emit visible light. The photoreactive material includes two different materials, each emitting visible light in a different wavelength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of the application of photoreactive, photoemissive material in a riflescope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Applying a photoreactive photoemissive material to create patterns that emit visible light in a wide array of potential visible wavelengths when excited by select invisible wavelengths, such as IR.

Illuminated features on electroform reticle.

Illuminated features on glass reticle.

Illuminated features on glass and electroform together to get floating features without etch and fill. Electroform can provide solid elements while glass carries illuminated features. Avoids glass lithography process.

Print 2 colors on reticle for subsonic and supersonic aim points.

Red illumination at night to not affect eye adaptation, Green during day for optimal photopic sensitivity.

Print 1 color FFP and another RFP. RFP could be NV optimized. Big dot RFP. Mil grid FFP

Elevation dial label with IR illuminator.

Elevation dial pad printed with IR illuminator.

Dope chart printed on maintube with daylight readable color plus viewable with IR illuminator.

Reticle illumination methods:

a. Transmit LED from turret back through erector and reflect off beamsplitter (maybe the front of the eyepiece IR coated).

b. Fiber optic.

Different colored dots for different ranges. Excellent crossbow solution.

Print 2 colors mixed together and illuminate at different levels to get a range of colors. Blue may not be available for full RGB at this time but maybe in the future.

Simple reticle pattern in one color and more complex, such as mil grid in another. Allows the reticle to be switched from brush hunting optimized to long range optimized.

Warning indicator of laser rangefinder or other lightwave scanning enemy system in use: a light trap could collect incoming light, such as 1550 nM laser rangefinder light and emit visible light directed rearward toward the user, warning them of potential threats.

Coat ID of parts with visible light absorbing material to reduce veiling glare.

Coat exterior of parts with IR absorbing material to reduce detectability on the battlefield.

Target ONE visible wavelength using multiple flood wavelengths so we can build up a [limited] segmented monochrome display using a plurality of floods. For example:

a. Choose a red dot or red triangle on a RDS by just changing the flood.

b. Adding wind-holds for 5, 10—or some other, limited choice, reticle feature.

c. Maybe a way to add L,R,Up,Down directional pointers for adding GAPPING cheaply.

Change color of the reticle based on deviation of cant from zero or deviation from cant/incline that the ballistic soln. assumed.

Add a warning/notifier to the image such as “I′m recording” “tally light” so the user knows the shot recorder is running . . . whatever the shot recorder is (data, video, audio, all of the above).

Print visible light absorbing material on areas intended to be black on the reticle. Avoids black chrome process. 

I claim:
 1. A riflescope comprising: a body defining an optical path; a reticle connected to the body and intervening in the optical path; the reticle including an image formed by photoreactive material that is responsive to invisible wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation to emit visible light; and the photoreactive material including two different materials, each emitting visible light in a different wavelength. 